Playmaker Tipped to Shine at Old Trafford

Alberto Zaccheroni, the manager of the Japanese national team, believes Shinji Kagawa has all the qualities required to be a success at Manchester United.

Kagawa is close to completing a move to Sir Alex Ferguson's side after United agreed on a deal with the player and his club - Borussia Dortmund. Zaccheroni is confident the 23 year old will impress at Old Trafford and become a key player for the Red Devils.

"I haven't offered him my congratulations yet. I've only said to him 'good luck' because this is just the start for him. I know he'll need results to be deemed a success at Manchester United. But I fully expect to congratulate him three years from now because he clearly has the mental strength and the technical ability to make it there," Manutd.com quoted the Italian as saying.

Kagawa will become the first Japanese player to feature for United and the coach feels the transfer could be a milestone in the country's football history.

"I think his transfer is great not only for himself but for all football in this country. I've been in Japan for almost two years now and in that short period of time, two players have signed with the biggest clubs in the world - [Yuto] Nagatomo went to Inter and now Kagawa to United. It is proof the Japanese are developing players the right way," Zaccheroni pointed out.

Meanwhile, United winger Ashley Young claims the England squad are high on confidence ahead of their Euro 2012 opener against France on Monday.

The 26 year old, who has netted five times in his last seven matches for England, feels recent wins against Norway and Belgium have kept Roy Hodgson's side in good shape as they bid for European glory.

"I'm feeling confident after going into the game on the back of a few goals and a few assists, which is always nice and everyone in the squad is confident. If we can go out and put on a similar display to our recent games then I'm sure we can get a result," a report on the FA's official Web site quoted Young as saying.

"If you look at the two games we have had under the new Manager, the organisation has been different and I think it has helped. The two 1-0 wins were good wins, especially with the way we kept our shape and got the goals and I think organisation is going to be important on Monday," the former Aston Villa man added.

England and France are in Group D, along with Sweden and co-hosts Ukraine.